Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spent decades of his career helpingMicrosoft rise to dominance. He knows a thing or two about theconditions that are favorable for business.“Dumb luck is a big part of it,” Ballmer told KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross.“I’m a big believer that dumb luck is part of a lot of things. I got alot of dumb luck in addition to a lot of hard work. Microsoft requiressome intelligence, some hard work and some dumb luck.”

RELATED: Seattle’s income tax proposal explained

Ballmer notes that excellent education and weather are alsoconsiderations. But there are also unfavorable conditions that canhamper success in Seattle.“In Seattle’s case, it is a beautiful place to live,” he said. “It is aplace, now, that is a center of talent in the tech industry, and successand talent will breed startups and more of that sort of thing. What arethe things that can undo it? Unfavorable business climate.”An income tax would be included in that “unfavorable business climate.”There is a movement in Seattle to challenge state law and implement anew income tax on the city’s top earners. Some call it “Trump ProofSeattle,” others simply say “Tax the Rich.” A potential effect is thattalented employees who are drawn to Seattle — and earn higher incomes —could reconsider living in the Emerald City if their wages are threatened.“All of a sudden somebody who thinks they are getting paid more thansomebody who makes the equivalent dollars in California – becauseCalifornia has a 14-percent income tax – sure, it would drive up wageshere and cause people to think about moving jobs elsewhere,” Ballmersaid. “That will certainly happen.”“I’m not saying it’s a mistake, it’s something that voters need to thinkabout in aggregate, not just one man’s opinion,” he said. “But theanalysis is right. There will be fewer jobs here with an income tax thanthere would without an income tax.”

Post by a425coupleSteve Ballmer warns voters of Seattle income tax falloutFormer Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spent decades of his career helpingMicrosoft rise to dominance. He knows a thing or two about theconditions that are favorable for business.“In Seattle’s case, it is a beautiful place to live,” he said. “It is aplace, now, that is a center of talent in the tech industry, and successand talent will breed startups and more of that sort of thing. What arethe things that can undo it? Unfavorable business climate.”An income tax would be included in that “unfavorable business climate.”

A couple of interesting comments:

Tom Vu • 3 hours agoI don't think Steve understands we HAVE to vote in this income tax tosupport, protect and inable all our bums and junkies, safe injectionsites, open flow of hard drugs, sanctuary City status, bike shareprograms, rainbow side walks, the war on our police and to fight thatevil trump. Last but not least, a defence fund for our child molester ofa mayor aginst current and up and coming lawsuits. These issues are thetax payers responsibility

John Richards Tom Vu • an hour agoWe need to tax sugar which is bad for us to fund the heroin addictsbecause herion is...oh wait